MNT v. U-23s

MNTJan 14, 2012

The full team lined up against the U-23 MNT for the first of two scrimmages while the teams share space at The Home Depot Center. For both groups, it was the first opportunity to play 11 v. 11 since camp began and continue to evaluate players for the upcoming friendlies.

"These scrimmages are good for us and the Under-23s, that’s why we do it purposely, because it's a big year for U.S. Soccer,” Klinsmann said. “We want to get these kids up to speed and Caleb Porter gets to know his group, so every opportunity for a scrimmage is good and it helps everybody.”

Both coaches made liberal changes throughout the 90 minutes, will all four of the MNT goals coming in the first half. Chris Wondolowski had a goal and assist, while Brek Shea adder a pair of assists of his own. Shea was one of several players who are age-eligible for the 2012 Olympics to line up against his would-be teammates.

“The nice thing is that a couple of the goals were generated by guys who are going to be with us," Porter said. "That gets me excited because I know that through the experiences that they’ll have with the senior [team this] year, they’ll bring those experiences back to us and enhance our group.”